6-Day Maine Road Trip from Portland to Bar Harbor Starting Afternoon Drive

Day 1: Afternoon Drive to Camden

Portland to Camden, Maine on June 19, 2025

2:30pm

Depart Portland for Camden

Begin your scenic drive north to Camden, approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, enjoying coastal views and light traffic in the afternoon.
USD0, 1h45m

4:15pm

Arrive and check in Camden

Settle into your accommodation and refresh before exploring the charming harbor town.
Varies, 0h45m

5:00pm

Stroll Camden Harbor & Downtown

Enjoy a leisurely walk along Camden Harbor, browsing shops and soaking in seaside ambiance during golden hour.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner

Explore local dining options in Camden at your leisure; numerous restaurants offer fresh seafood and regional cuisine, typically open until 9pm.
Varies, 1.5h
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Day 2: Camden Exploration & Bar Harbor Drive

Camden to Bar Harbor, Maine on June 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast - Flexible

Start your day by exploring local breakfast options in Camden at your leisure; several cafés open from 7am offering pastries, coffee, and full breakfasts.
Varies, 0h45m

8:30am

Hike Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park

A moderate 2-mile roundtrip hike offering panoramic views of Penobscot Bay; park open dawn to dusk.
USD4 park fee, 2h

11:00am

Lunch at Long Grain

Enjoy vibrant and inventive Southeast Asian fare in a modern setting; opens 11:30am.
USD25, 1h

12:30pm

Drive to Bar Harbor

Embark on a 3-hour scenic drive northeast through coastal Maine to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park.
USD30 park fee, 3h

3:30pm

Acadia National Park Loop Road Drive

Arrive in Acadia and drive the scenic loop to see Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Otter Cliffs in afternoon light.
Included in park fee, 2h

5:30pm

Check into Bar Harbor accommodation

Rest and refresh before dinner in downtown Bar Harbor.
Varies, 0h30m

6:00pm

Dinner

Choose from a variety of Bar Harbor dining options offering fresh seafood and local fare; many places open until 9pm or later.
Varies, 1.5h
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Day 3: Explore Acadia & Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor, Maine on June 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at 2 Cats Restaurant

Popular spot for breakfast with hearty, delicious options; opens 7am.
USD15, 0h45m

8:00am

Cadillac Mountain Sunrise or Morning Visit

Climb or drive to the summit for commanding early morning views over Mount Desert Island; park opens at dawn.
Included in park fee, 3h

11:00am

Stroll Bar Harbor Shore Path

Take a relaxing walk along the waterfront path, offering beautiful ocean views and photo opportunities.
Free, 1h

12:15pm

Lunch at Side Street Café

Try classic lobster rolls and fresh seafood in this cozy and casual eatery, open 11am to 9pm.
USD20, 1h

2:00pm

Afternoon Whale Watching Tour

Depart on a 3-hour cruise to see whales and marine wildlife with local guides; check tour times for exact departure.
USD50, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner

Enjoy local cuisine at any of Bar Harbor's wide selection of restaurants, featuring seafood and regional specialties, most open through the evening.
Varies, 1.5h
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Day 4: Bar Harbor to Boothbay Harbor

Bar Harbor to Boothbay Harbor, Maine on June 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Jordan’s Restaurant

Classic American breakfast with oceanfront views; opens at 6:30am.
USD15, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive to Rockland

Travel 1.5 hours southwest to Rockland, a hub for arts and culture in Maine.
USD0, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Farnsworth Art Museum

Explore exceptional American art focused on Maine and its artists; open 10am-5pm.
USD20, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Primo Restaurant

Enjoy farm-to-table dishes with seasonal ingredients in a warm setting; open from 11:30am.
USD30, 1h

2:00pm

Drive to Boothbay Harbor

Take a scenic 1-hour drive to the charming coastal town of Boothbay Harbor.
USD0, 1h

3:15pm

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Roam one of the nation’s top public gardens featuring native plants and coastal landscapes; open 10am-6pm.
USD18, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner

Explore local dining options in Boothbay Harbor at your convenience; restaurants typically open through the evening offering fresh seafood and casual fare.
Varies, 1.5h
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Day 5: Boothbay Harbor to Kennebunkport

Boothbay Harbor to Kennebunkport, Maine on June 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Greenery Café

Light and fresh breakfast fare to start your day, opens at 7am.
USD10, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive to Kennebunkport

Enjoy a 1.5-hour scenic coastal drive heading south to the charming town of Kennebunkport.
USD0, 1h30m

10:00am

Explore Dock Square

Stroll the quaint town square filled with local shops, galleries, and cafés.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Clam Shack

Famous for fresh lobster rolls and fried clams, open 11am-6pm.
USD20, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at Gooch’s Beach

Spend your afternoon unwinding on this scenic Kennebunkport beach with soft sand and gentle waves.
Free, 1.5h

5:00pm

Dinner

Choose from Kennebunkport's variety of restaurants for dinner, featuring fresh local seafood and seasonal dishes, many open into the evening.
Varies, 1.5h
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Day 6: Return to Portland & Sightseeing

Kennebunkport to Portland, Maine on June 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Mornings in Paris

Enjoy French-style pastries and coffee in a cozy spot, opens at 7am.
USD12, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive to Portland

Short 40-minute drive north back to Portland to enjoy your final day in the city.
USD0, 0h40m

9:15am

Portland Head Light & Fort Williams Park

Visit Maine’s oldest lighthouse and explore scenic Fort Williams Park, open dawn to dusk with free access.
Free, 1.5h

11:00am

Explore Old Port District

Wander the historic waterfront neighborhood filled with shops, galleries, and eateries.
Free, 1.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Eventide Oyster Co.

Taste freshly shucked oysters and creative seafood dishes, open 11:30am-10pm.
USD30, 1h

2:00pm

Trip Conclusion or Additional Sightseeing

Enjoy the rest of your afternoon in Portland or prepare for your departure.
Varies, Variable
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